Durham Bike Buddy

Bike buddies are experienced bike commuters that want to help others to learn the way. Often, the biggest barrier to commuting by bike is finding a route that feels safe. Experienced commuters have the street-level knowledge to find the best routes for bikes. This buddy matching system is intended to match new riders with an experienced commuter that lives and/or works near you. Submit your information (both new riders and experienced commuters) and we'll find a bike buddy that lives and works near you! It can also be used to connect current bike commuters together for those looking for a better route or just a more social ride. Please also register as a bike commuter at Share the Ride NC to be eligible for free Emergency Rides Home (for those that work at participating employers).

This is used for matching purposes only. Your specific address will not be shared.

Work address or nearest cross-street *

This is used for matching purposes only. Your specific address will not be shared.

Select all that best describe you *

I'm new to bike commuting. I want to FIND a Bike Buddy.

I'd like to BE a Bike Buddy for someone else.

I'd like to find others to commute with.

Select your bicycling experience level *

New, haven't ridden a bike before

Rookie, ridden almost exclusively on separated paths

Beginner, have ridden on roads but mostly with group rides

Occasional, have ridden solo but not on a regular basis

Regular, bikes regularly but not familiar with the best routes

Experienced, knows most of the roads in town and optimized routes

Any other information to help us find the best match for you!

For experienced bike commuters looking to be a Bike Buddy

Briefly describe your experience level with bike commuting

Please tell us why you want to be a Bike buddy

Most Americans want to bike more but fear navigating with traffic. Bike Buddies help with that issue by being a guide and companion on a route that works for bikes. In order to be helpful and encouraging to new riders, we ask that you agree to following:

Share your route with your Buddy in advance so they know what to expect

I agree

Share the Ride NC is a ride matching service that also serves to find you carpools and bike matches. Please also consider registering with them to receive rewards and emergency rides home. If you wish for us to share your information with them, please check below.

FAQs for new riders

What do I need to get started bike commuting?

A helmet and lock if you are securing your bike on a rack at work/school

Lights on front (white) and back (red) if riding at night

Follow the rules of the road (bikes have all the same responsibilities as car drivers)

Can I try this out to see if I'm into it even if I don't have a bike?

Bike rentals are available at all the local bike shops, they also usually have used bikes for sale. Durham Bike Co-op also has a program to earn your own bike by volunteering at the co-op.

I'm not very comfortable riding with traffic. What roads will my bike buddy take me on?

We encourage bike buddies to cater to your experience level. Most routes involve a mix of bike paths, neighborhood streets, bike lanes, and shared roads. We ask bike buddies to share their planned route with you before you ride and choose comfort over speed. Let your Bike Buddy know about any hesitations you may have.

Is this the same as a bike train? Do I ride with my bike buddy every time?

No, at least not if you or your bike buddy don't want to. The intention of Bike Buddies is to serve as a educational tool to teach new riders the best route through Durham. Once you've learned the route, there's no pressure to keep riding with a buddy.

I have a question not covered here. Who can I contact?

You can contact us at info@bikedurham.org, we look forward to helping!

FAQs for experienced commuters looking to be a Bike Buddy

What is expected from me?

The goal is to help your buddy find a safe route to school/work and, if the rider is not an experienced rider, to demonstrate safe riding practices for navigating with traffic. We ask that you agree to the following terms:

Share your route with your Buddy in advance so they know what to expect

How often will I be matched with a bike buddy?

This frequency depends on your neighborhood and proximity to common work locations. Also, new riders tend to be fair-weather riders so expect requests to vary by season. We understand you may not be able to respond to all requests--no worries. If you cannot do so, just simply reply and say so. We'll try to find another match. However, we do ask that you try to fill at least half the requests.

What if my route has a tricky part that may not seem safe for a new rider?

Share your route with your buddy and tell them about the different good and complicated parts. If it works for you, tell them your experience with it. But if they are still uncomfortable, see if there is an alternate route that may work better for your bike buddy.

Is this the same as a bike train? Do I ride with my bike buddy every time?

No, at least not if you or your bike buddy don't want to. The intention of Bike Buddies is to serve as a educational tool to teach new riders the best route through Durham. Once you've learned the route, there's no pressure to keep riding with a buddy.

I have a question not covered here. Who can I contact?

You can contact us at info@bikedurham.org, we look forward to helping!